Oaxaca City

Oaxaca de Juárez, often called Oaxaca, is the capital of the Mexican state of Oaxaca.

It serves as the municipal seat for the surrounding Oaxaca municipality. This area is the most populous municipality in the state. It is also the fourth most densely populated municipality in the region. The city sits within the Centro District of the Central Valleys. It is located in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains. The city sits at the base of the Cerro del Fortín. It also extends to the banks of the Atoyac River.

The city has a tropical savanna climate, known as Aw in the Köppen climate classification. This climate is shaped by the city's high altitude. Because it sits high up, Oaxaca is cooler than lowland areas at the same latitude. During the dry season, daytime temperatures remain warm. The warmest average high occurs in April. However, nighttime temperatures can be quite cool. In January, the average low temperature is quite low. Most precipitation occurs during the summer months. June is the wettest month, with an average precipitation of 115 mm.

The history of the region begins with the Zapotec and Mixtec peoples. They lived in the Oaxaca Valley for thousands of years. They established important ancient centers like Monte Albán and Mitla.

The Aztecs entered the valley in 1440. They named the area Huaxyacac, which means "among the huaje" trees. They built a military post at the Cerro del Fortín. This post helped them oversee the Zapotec capital of Zaachila. This position secured trade routes between the Valley of Mexico and Central America.

Spanish explorers arrived in the area in 1521. Captain Francisco de Orozco led the first expedition. He was accompanied by 400 Aztec warriors. Hernán Cortés sent Orozco because the Aztecs believed gold came from this region. The Spanish built a city near the Aztec military post. They initially named the settlement Guajaca, a Hispanicized version of the Nahuatl name. The settlement later became known as Antequera. In 1532, Charles V of Spain granted the village city status. This helped the city remain under the direct control of the Spanish Crown.

The city has many historical names and titles. It was once called la Verde Antequera, or "the green Antequera." This name refers to the native green stone used in many buildings. In 1872, the name "de Juárez" was added to the city. This honors Benito Juárez, a native of the state. He served as the president of Mexico from 1858 until his death in 1872. He led the country through major challenges, including a French invasion. The Zapotec people still use the name Ndua for the city.

Today, tourism is a major part of the local economy. Between 1984 and 2009, tourism became the dominant economic factor. About 77% of the employment in the municipality is related to tourism. The city is famous for the Guelaguetza festival. This is a month-long cultural event held in the summer. It features music and dances from the seven regions of Oaxaca. It also includes a beauty pageant for indigenous women.

The city and the Monte Albán site are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Plaza de la Constitución, or Zócalo, is the heart of the city. Juan Peláez de Berrio planned the plaza in 1529. During the colonial period, the plaza had no pavement or sidewalks. A marble fountain was installed there in 1739. This fountain was removed in 1857 to make room for a bandstand. The plaza features many trees and an Art Nouveau bandstand installed in 1901.

The Zócalo is a central place for social life and music. Nearby, the Benito Juárez Market offers a look at local life.

The city's history and culture continue to shape its modern identity.